Nothing is stable. Technology is continuously evaluated. Materials science, electronics and software are the main three engines that reverse reactions or open new horizons.

Tyres are always known as black and round. However, the tyre engineers are aware of the weight achieved, the construction and the types of materials used in the tyres. What was the ancestor of the tyre, where is it going now?

The tyres were rated very quickly after vulcanisation 150 years ago. The first use of synthetic rubber and synthetic fibers, as well as the first radial tyre, go back around 70 years. Programming the control of the tyre building and curing machines with sensors and timer was a cornerstone. The new chemicals and advanced materials which suit well for process control, more homogeneous mixing, material integration and long-lasting rubber products.

Today's tyres last to the end of their useful life, which is primarily measured by the Remaining Tread Depth (RTD) which is greater than a limit value set by local legal approval. Twenty years ago, many defective tyres were found in scrapyards that were almost like new, but today the tyre will last almost lifetime.

Today, Mechanical rubber derivatives production machine parts are made to tighter tolerances. The integrity of the main body material is higher than in previous years. Alloys or composites are widely used compared to recent years. More controlled and homogeneous surface finishing is applied. Modern tyre production machines are equipped with robotics, full sensors and automation, stepper motors and greater controllability which are examples of the harmonization of creativity and innovation in the industry.

More than all that, today manufacturing machines are more purpose oriented, lighter, sensitive and modular.

The other very preliminary point of view is to analyse the needs of the main processes and what should be the strategy when you have an idea to buy new machines?

Every system needs new machines to install for a reason. It is used either to increase capacity or to renew a range of products, just to modernise or update technology. What should be the strategy when you have an idea to buy new machines? Either you are looking for a machine that matches your technology or you are taking the risk of a technology upgrade. The same category but a more efficient, more productive, safer and more controllable machine may be preferred or a completely new technology may be chosen.

If a very new technology is chosen, the time it takes to adapt can result in large production losses. It may take longer to adapt, etc. However, if you don't take such a risk, how will you manage the technology update in later years?

The other very preliminary point of view is to analyse the needs of the main processes. For example, if you are a tyre manufacturer, customers will only know your brand name. You are responsible for the end product. Third parties do not know where to start preparing tyres or what process to use to make them.

For example, you can have a textile calendar or you can get calendered textile and steel layers on the outside. When using a supplier, you don't need a factory calender machine. This also applies to the compounds used in the manufacture of the components.  Today, a large volume of masterbatch is used in the rubber products industry. Organizing a good supply chain for manufacturing rubber compounds eliminates the need for mixers, a few mils, large silos, or process oil tanks.

A review of all processes and machine setup is necessary at regular intervals in order to remain competitive. Fewer production machines can increase productivity and controllability and intensify management. Less personal use, less energy and maintenance costs can be achieved. However, alternative suppliers need to be developed and diversified.

In the past, some particularly large tyre manufacturers had tyre cord treatment units in tyre factories. Some of them have steel wire production facilities for their own supply. Today we are witnessing a complete change of mind. The focus on the main process areas is mainly taken into account, which has completely changed the perspective in business. Today, most tyre manufacturers contract out the processing of 2nd class compounds. So, there is no refinery mill machines in tyre factories. The heating of the rubber in the preparation zones of the main components is carried out by cold feed extruders. Large capacity extruders are used under the drop door in mixing rooms. As a result, there are very few milling machine and milling operators in the tyre factory. Factory structures are smaller, parts production and machine maintenance are outsourced.

Full robot transfer units already exist, No man-tyre building and curing are achievable now. Profile extruders are already disabled, calendering might be totally needless by body ply webbing on tyre building drums.

Being open and innovative in the tyre and rubber industry is important. Support for technological innovation and productivity, as well as the vision to find more efficient devices, is required. New control systems with computers and automation are inevitable. Indeed, the company's employees must have a vision to choose the last and the best for the future. The most important thing is to find profitable solutions for the entire company.

As you follow the progress of the machine, keep in mind that new materials are coming. Any fashionable material will one day be a burden on the staff. Major hardware changes require new processes or machines. The ultimate case is the cancellation of part of the process, which means the cancellation of the production machines. Such a case can be irresistible at any time.

The increasingly demanding structure of the automotive industry and regulations will demand ever lighter, more environmentally friendly and more rolling-resistant tyres, which repeatedly calls for ambitious innovations. Innovative materials are inevitable to exceed expectations. Just as new materials come out of the R&D thicket box and enter the daily production inventory, the production area and machinery should be reorganised.

Full robot transfer units already exist in many phases instead of being transported. There are automatic scan and uniformity checks. No man tyre building and curing operations are achievable now. Profile extruders are already being phased out in some tyre factories. Body ply webbing could be more of a standard technology in tyre building.  Calendering may be totally needless in tyre plants.

As far as automation and controllability technologies assess, there is still room for refinement or cancellation of production processes and machines in tyre factories.

Today, Mechanical rubber products production machine’ parts are made to tighter tolerances. The integrity of the main body material is higher than in previous years. (TT)

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Goodyear is set to debut its first retail concept store in Detroit, the Goodyear Motor City Garage, just in time for the 2026 Woodward Dream Cruise. The opening coincides with a historic aerial display, as two Goodyear Blimps will fly over the Motor City for the first time in nearly two decades. This dual-blimp appearance will provide a bird's-eye view of the automotive spectacle, which annually draws over 40,000 classic vehicles and more than one and a half million enthusiasts.

The new garage will open on 15th August at eight in the morning at 3075 East Grand Boulevard. This specialised auto service centre functions as a hub for car culture, similar to destination retail concepts like a Starbucks Reserve Roastery. While offering expert services such as tyre sales, oil changes, alignments, brake service and battery replacement, the space also showcases the company’s technological innovations and storied heritage.

A custom Detroit-themed Eagle racing tyre, laser-carved with a tribute to the city, will be on display alongside a 1973 Ford Mustang convertible from ‘The Mary Tyler Moore Show’ and a 1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am ‘Bandit’. The Dream Cruise weekend will also feature new remote-controlled mini blimps, with further details to be announced on social media. The event honours Detroit engineers who once raced along Woodward Avenue, and Goodyear’s ties to the city date back to the early 1900s when Henry Ford collaborated with the company.

The Motor City Garage exemplifies Goodyear’s broader transformation, which includes approximately 1,500 new products planned for 2026 and a focus on higher-performance tyres. As the only major tyre manufacturer headquartered in United States, based in Akron, Ohio, Goodyear is striving to become more consumer-focused and digitally connected. The company also offers mobile installation service in 28 markets, including Detroit, allowing for tyre servicing at customer locations. Woodward Avenue remains a symbolic stretch where millions of Goodyear tyres have left their mark.

Mark Stewart, CEO, Goodyear, said, "Some of the best vehicles in the world have been laying down Goodyear rubber in Detroit since Henry Ford put them on his 999 race car in 1901. From track to tarmac to trail, Goodyear makes tyres worth bragging about, and we'll be doing just that during the Woodward Dream Cruise. Whether you're an enthusiast looking for ultra-high performance or just need help picking the best tyres to get your SUV through the school pick-up line, we're looking to show you how easy Goodyear can make vehicle care. Detroit's car culture makes it the perfect place to showcase our new retail concept alongside our Mobile Garage service that can install tyres and service your vehicle right in your driveway."

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Bridgestone India, a subsidiary of Japan’s Bridgestone Corporation, has marked three decades of operations in the country with a commemorative ceremony in New Delhi. The event functioned as a strategic review of the company’s deep-rooted presence in the region, bringing together a wide array of automotive executives, government officials and supply-chain collaborators. Senior management used the occasion to reaffirm the organisation's long-term commitment to the subcontinent, highlighting the mutual growth achieved through sustained industrial cooperation.

The ceremony was elevated by the presence of the Japanese Ambassador to India, H.E. ONO Keiichi, who acted as the guest of honour for the evening. His attendance underscored the diplomatic and economic importance of the bilateral ties that have supported the company’s expansion. During the proceedings, Bridgestone formally acknowledged the critical role played by its local allies and manufacturing partners, whose operational support has been fundamental to navigating the competitive Indian automotive landscape over the decades.

While the celebrations looked towards the future, they also provided a moment to evaluate the company’s evolutionary path within the country. The initial foray into India began with commercial activities in 1996, but the true industrial footprint was established two years later when production commenced at the Pithampur complex in Madhya Pradesh. Subsequent capacity enhancements, notably the 2013 addition of the Chakan facility near Pune, allowed the firm to scale its operations to meet the surging domestic demand for diversified tyre products.

In a bid to stay ahead of technological curves, Bridgestone inaugurated a specialised Satellite Technology Centre at its Pune site in 2025. This research hub is designed to localise the development of premium-grade tyres, concentrating on the entire lifecycle from raw material experimentation to final product engineering for Indian roads. This strategic move is intended to embed advanced research capabilities directly within the local manufacturing ecosystem, ensuring that regional offerings align with global ‘Dan-Totsu’ quality standards.

As the company transitions into its next operational decade, leadership is pivoting towards a robust agenda centred on sustainable transportation and digital mobility solutions. The firm currently supplies a comprehensive portfolio covering passenger vehicles, heavy-load trucks and off-road machinery, all engineered for local climatic and road conditions. With a strengthened technological base and a mature distribution network, Bridgestone India is positioning itself to be a primary catalyst in the country’s ongoing infrastructure modernisation and vehicular safety evolution.

H.E. ONO Keiichi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to India & the Kingdom of Bhutan, said, “Bridgestone India's 30-year journey is not merely the story of the growth of a company; it is also a symbol of the success of Japan-India economic cooperation. Since its establishment in 1996, the company has grown alongside the Indian market and has made significant contributions to India's industrial development and the evolution of mobility through its investments in plants in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.”

Ankit Asthana, IAS, Additional Managing Director, Madhya Pradesh Industrial Development Corporation, said, “The story of Bridgestone in Madhya Pradesh is not merely the success of one company; it is an example of how visionary corporate leadership and responsive governance can together create lasting economic and social value. This collaboration has not only contributed to the company’s growth but has also strengthened the industrial ecosystem of our state by generating employment, supporting ancillary industries and promoting responsible manufacturing.”

Nobuyuki Tamura, Member of the Board, Representative Executive Officer, EAST CEO, Bridgestone Corporation, said, “The first 30 years established a strong foundation, and the next 30 years will create new possibilities. Throughout our journey in India, we have remained guided by our Mission, ‘Serving Society with Superior Quality’, and our commitment to creating value for society through safety, sustainability, innovation and quality. India today plays a significant role in Bridgestone’s regional and global growth strategy. Looking ahead, we will further strengthen our commitment to India, including through the previously announced passenger car tyre expansion plan, preparations for which are already underway, while continuing to enhance our R&D capabilities to meet the increasingly sophisticated needs of the Indian market. Together with our partners and stakeholders, we will continue to innovate, grow and contribute to a safer, more sustainable and more connected future of mobility.”

Rajarshi Moitra, Managing Director, Bridgestone India, said, “Bridgestone India has contributed to India's growth through investment, employment generation, manufacturing excellence, technology development, local sourcing and skill development. As we enter the next phase, our focus will remain on translating Bridgestone's global capabilities into locally relevant products and solutions, strengthening responsible manufacturing, deepening partnerships across the automotive value chain, and addressing the evolving needs of mobility, society and the environment.”

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The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., has confirmed its role as the official tyre supplier for a significant portion of the upcoming Asia Cross Country Rally (AXCR), with 12 competing teams and 20 vehicles set to utilise its GEOLANDAR M/T G003 mud-terrain tyres. The 2026 edition of Asia’s largest cross-country rally is scheduled to take place from 10 to 15 August 2026. This announcement follows a dominant streak for the tyre manufacturer, as vehicles equipped with GEOLANDAR tyres have secured the overall championship in three of the last four rallies, with victories in 2022, 2023 and 2025.

Among the prominent contenders receiving support is the defending champion, Team Mitsubishi Ralliart, which triumphed in 2025 and also claimed the title in 2022. The team is entering three Mitsubishi Triton pickup trucks for this year’s race, with a driver lineup that includes Chayapon Yotha, a two-time overall champion, Katsuhiko Taguchi and Kazuto Koide. The squad is aiming for consecutive victories on the Yokohama tyres.

Additional leading teams will also compete on the GEOLANDAR tyres, including TOYOTA GAZOO RACING INDONESIA, which previously achieved a championship and second-place finish in 2023 with its Toyota Fortuner. The roster of supported teams further includes the GEOLANDAR FORTUNER takuma-gp, driven by 2023 champion Takuma Aoki, the ISUZU SUPHAN TRANE TITANIUM YOKOHAMA NEXZTER RALLY TEAM, which is expanding to three vehicles after a fourth-place finish last year, and CUSCO Racing with two entries. Yokohama Rubber is also extending its support to diverse teams, including those featuring female drivers.

The GEOLANDAR M/T G003 tyre is distinguished by its robust and aggressive design, providing superior traction and durability across challenging off-road surfaces such as mud, gravel and sand. The tyre’s extended lifespan and reliable performance on varied terrain have been consistently validated in numerous international off-road competitions, reinforcing the brand’s reputation in the rally community.

The AXCR, first held in 1996 and officially sanctioned by the FIA, is a gruelling event comparable to the Dakar Rally. For 2026, the rally will be entirely hosted within Thailand, covering an approximate 2,000-kilometre route from Pattaya to Phitsanulok. Competitors will navigate a demanding assortment of landscapes, including mountainous regions, dense jungles, coastal beaches and agricultural plantations, testing both vehicle and tyre durability to the limit.

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Italian bicycle tyre manufacturer Vittoria has launched Tire Finder, a digital tool on its website designed to streamline the tyre selection process. The platform offers a personalised recommendation system that guides each cyclist towards the most suitable Vittoria products based on individual riding profiles.

The tool operates by posing a structured series of queries regarding a rider’s preferred discipline, style, terrain, priorities and performance goals. Responses generate a tailored selection, complete with explanations for each recommendation, covering road, mountain bike, gravel, BMX and commuting applications. An additional Mix & Match feature enables customised front and rear combinations to enhance grip, rolling efficiency and control for specific performance targets.

Catering to novices purchasing their first tyres and experienced racers seeking specialised setups, Tire Finder simplifies the decision-making process. The system delivers a personalised configuration that prioritises the rider’s specific ambitions, ensuring an informed and efficient path to the ideal tyre arrangement.

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